123 .-- M.] [Footnote 26: See the Augustan History and the Epitomes.] Notwithstanding this difference in their personal conduct, the general system of Augustus was equally adopted and uniformly pursued by Hadrian and by the two Antonines.

They persisted in the design of maintaining the dignity of the empire, without attempting to enlarge its limits.

By every honorable expedient they invited the friendship of the barbarians; and endeavored to convince mankind that the Roman power, raised above the temptation of conquest, was actuated only by the love of order and justice.

During a long period of forty-three years, their virtuous labors were crowned with success; and if we except a few slight hostilities, that served to exercise the legions of the frontier, the reigns of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius offer the fair prospect of universal peace.

[27] The Roman name was revered among the most remote nations of the earth.